Chapter Three: Eighteen Catches and an Invoice from the Future

Reporters packed the doorway. Hundreds of messages flooded his phone. His agent called nine times in a row. Three hours earlier, nobody knew how to pronounce his surname. Now slow-motion video of his final catch occupied every sports feed. Kane sent one message: Enjoy tonight. The position is still mine. Before Lin could answer, Grant entered with the general manager. “You start next week,” Grant announced to the entire room. Cheers rose, though several players stayed silent. Duke, one of Kane’s closest friends, lowered his eyes and placed his phone facedown on his thigh. The general manager smiled and clapped Lin’s shoulder. “Your agent will receive an early extension offer.